When applying for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), one of the most important steps is deciding which courses to apply for. Each programme has its own ethos, structure, and training style, and what feels right for one person might not for another. In this blog we take a closer look at the University of Surrey’s PsychD in Clinical Psychology, drawing on both official course details and the experiences of current trainees captured in the BPS Alternative Handbook.
Surrey’s Ethos and Approach
The Surrey programme combines applied and policy-focused teaching with a strong theoretical base. From the start, trainees are immersed in both clinical placements and academic learning, with the first six weeks dedicated to an intensive teaching block introducing the NHS and core therapeutic models, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and systemic family therapy.
The ethos of the programme places inclusion, equality, and diversity at its heart. Teaching and clinical work encourage trainees to think critically about anti-discriminatory practice and to work with people from all backgrounds. NHS values: integrity, honesty, compassion, empathy, and a commitment to innovation, are also embedded throughout the training.
What Training Involves
Trainees at Surrey spend their time across clinical placements, academic teaching, research, and self-directed study. The typical week consists of two-and-a-half days on placement, two days at the University, and half a day set aside for independent learning.
Clinical placements form the backbone of the programme. In the first year, trainees complete a year-long adult placement, providing continuity and a strong foundation for practice. In the second and third years, placements rotate every six months, covering child and family work, learning disabilities, older adults, and a specialist placement in the final year.
Alongside placements, academic teaching covers applied psychology, therapeutic skills, leadership competencies, and reflective practice. Teaching is rooted in both evidence-based approaches and socio-political awareness, preparing trainees to navigate the complexities of clinical work in diverse contexts.
Research is another key strand. Trainees undertake at least two pieces of research, typically a systematic review and an empirical study, both of which are examined orally through a viva in the third year. Current research themes at Surrey include eating disorders, birth trauma in marginalised families, sexual minority stress in IAPT services, and relational trauma in adults with learning disabilities.
What Trainees Say
According to the BPS Alternative Handbook, trainees frequently describe Surrey as a friendly, engaging, and supportive course, with a strong sense of community and approachable staff. Many highlight placements as a particular strength, praising the opportunities to work across different specialties and to pursue specialist pathways in CBT, systemic practice, or neuropsychology.
At the same time, trainees note that the course can feel demanding and exhausting, with challenges around workload, commuting, and organisation. Some describe a lack of diversity in teaching staff and limited opportunities to pursue trainee-led research, especially on topics relating to inequality. Others felt that while the course advertised strong values around equity, diversity and inclusion, these were not always consistently reflected in practice.
On the whole, though, the majority of trainees said they would recommend the course, especially for those seeking a programme with a balance of placements, research, and community feel. Several described it as a “rollercoaster”. challenging at times, but rewarding and growth-enhancing.
The 2025 Application Process
Applications for entry in September 2025 were submitted through the Clearing House by the deadline of 20 November 2024. Candidates were required to have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, usually through a 2:1 degree or higher, though additional postgraduate qualifications were considered where relevant. Applicants also needed clinically relevant experience, with many coming from assistant psychologist, support worker, or research roles.
Once applications were submitted and references confirmed, they were screened to ensure entry requirements were met. Shortlisted candidates were invited to interviews, which took place online in spring 2025.
The interview process was designed to be reflective and supportive, with panels typically including a course team member, a qualified clinical psychologist, and an Expert by Experience. According to trainees, interviews were generally well-structured and focused on personal values, reflective ability, and professional suitability, rather than knowledge-based testing. Importantly, Surrey did not require applicants to sit additional written tests, which many found reduced anxiety and allowed them to demonstrate their strengths more authentically.
Successful candidates were then offered NHS-funded places, employed full-time on a three-year fixed-term contract as Band 6 Trainee Clinical Psychologists, with fees and salary covered.
What Makes Surrey Distinct
The Surrey PsychD offers a number of distinctive features. Its year-long first placement provides a solid grounding and smoother transition into training. The programme also embeds systemic therapy at foundation level, alongside BABCP-accredited CBT training, giving trainees the chance to build dual pathways towards specialist accreditation. Neuropsychology is another area of strength, with opportunities to gain components required for the BPS Specialist Register.
Trainees often describe the cohort and sense of community as one of the course’s greatest assets, with strong peer support making the challenges of training more manageable. The absence of formal exams is also appreciated, with assessment instead focused on case reports, research projects, and viva examinations.
At the same time, the course faces challenges familiar across the profession: heavy workload, placement pressures, and ongoing questions about how best to embed equity, diversity and inclusion in meaningful ways. For some, these issues were significant; for others, they were outweighed by the positive experiences of placements, supervision, and peer networks.
Final Thoughts
The University of Surrey’s PsychD offers a comprehensive and well-rounded training experience, blending strong placements, rigorous research, and an ethos of reflective practice. It is not without its challenges, but many trainees describe it as supportive, engaging, and ultimately transformative.
For aspiring clinical psychologists, Surrey may appeal if you are looking for a course that balances research and practice, values community and reflection, and offers specialist pathways in CBT, systemic practice, and neuropsychology.
References
- University of Surrey (2025). PsychD Clinical Psychology Programme. Surrey Website
- British Psychological Society (2025). Alternative Handbook for Postgraduate Training Courses in Clinical Psychology – University of Surrey. Leicester: BPS.
- Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology (2024). Application Guidance. Clearing House Website
Disclaimer: This blog reflects information available at the time of writing (September 2025). Course details, structures, and selection procedures may change. Always check the University of Surrey and Clearing House websites for the most up-to-date information before applying.
